Rangers International of Enugu coach, Benedict Ugwu has downplayed trepidation among The Flying Antelopes’ fans over their chances of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, as he says they will overturn the table against ASC Kara of Togo in the seconds leg of their final qualifier this weekend, megasportsarena.com reports.
Rangers lost the first leg 2-1 away, which left many of their fans critical of the team’s chances of moving ahead, but Ugwu, who was fondly called ‘Surugede’ during his playing days as a rock-solid defender, insists it is a result that can be overcome by playing better at home.
He added during Mega Sports on Star 101.5 FM, Lagos that he has already started mapping out strategies that will help The Coal City side rise again, with a view that they will make the best of playing in front of their teeming fans at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to turn the tide round.
‘Surugede’ admitted it was a disappointment losing the first leg last weekend in Lome, but said hope is not lost, considering that his side need only to score one goal at The Cathedral and they will scale through into the second-tier continental clubs’ competition’s group stage, which would have been a tougher task to accomplish had they lost by more than a goals’ margin.
Ugwu stated: “It is better to lose 2-1 than maybe 1-0 or 2-0. Now we have hope of turning the situation around in the second leg. No matter what anybody says, we have a good chance to get a better result at home in the second leg. We will work hard to get victory at home, and I am sure that it will be possible. They will see a different Rangers in Enugu.”
